Additional Practical Considerations Regarding Giving (Lk. 12:33-34; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Lk. 18:28-30)

Wayne Galloway
01/25/14 - N/A

Series: Additional Studies

Introduction:

1.  Giving has always been a prominent feature of the children of God.  It rests squarely upon God’s own character as a giver. 2.  The three passages we have just read address the attitude that the people of God are to have about money, possessions and things.

a.  We are not to fix our hope upon them, but on God.

b.  Once our values are oriented to appreciate our relationship with the Lord the relative insignificance of things is realized.

c.  This frees us then to use the gifts that God has given us not just for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

3.  This is especially evidenced in our giving in the church.

a.  First century Christians gave to the support of the preaching of the gospel.

1)  The Philippians sent to Paul as he preached in Thessalonica (Phil. 4:15-16).

2)  He said in Gal. 6:6-7:  “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.  God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”

3)  Of elders who work hard at preaching and teaching Paul said, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and the laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim. 5:17-18).

b.  First century Christians gave to the support of their needy brethren.

1)  Barnabas sold property (Acts 4:36-37).

2)  In Acts 2 they took their meals together (46).  Probably not a social affair, but a benevolent action.

3)  2 Cor. 8 has the Macedonian’s giving having “first given themselves to the Lord” (5).

4.  But Christian’s may be found giving beyond what they do in the church (Gal. 6:10).

a.  I know many of you give to the preaching and teaching of the gospel privately supporting preachers.

b.  I know you give to individuals in need both who are Christians and those who are not. Some are benevolent gifts to the poor.  Some are gifts to various organizations that do good. Some support students working on their education.  Some of you have children in your homes that are not your own biological children, but those you are concerned about.

c.  All such actions are consistent with the biblical principles of grace, kindness, love and hospitality.

5.  In our last study we talked about how we have a responsibility to be responsible givers—to give in a way that discourages sloth and encourages discipline.  So our giving cannot be just about dolling out money for “if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat either” (2 Thess. 3:10). 6.  There are many other principles either taught directly or implied in Scripture.  I want to address some of those tonight.

Discussion:

I.  Given the principles by which the people of God act complaining about giving is out of place (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Pet. 4:9; 2 Thess. 3:13).

A.  If we give grudgingly, or under compulsion complaining will probably be one way this is experienced by others.  This is not cheerful giving.

B.  Hospitality is to be without complaint.

1.  We often think of hospitality as inviting someone over to our house for a meal.  This is a very middle/upper class way of thinking.

2.  For first century Christians this was probably not their mindset.  Perhaps it was more like in Pasto, Colombia.  Illustration of visitors to the city staying with the Ortega family while receiving medical attention at the hospital.

3.  Practical considerations—How can we finance this?

C.  “Do not grow weary of doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13).

1.  I see in this the challenge of doing good in difficult situations.

2.  Over a period of time.

3.  We may ask “How long?”  In some circumstances practicality may mean that we must put some boundaries on our giving.  Doesn’t mean that we have grown weary of doing good, but that giving to a particular circumstance has reached its practical limit.  Thus our planned approach recommended previously.

II.  Receiving without thanksgiving is inappropriate (Lk. 15:11ff).

A.  We are to respond to God’s gifts with thanksgiving (Heb. 12:28-29).

B.  When we receive from others thanksgiving is appropriate.

1.  Do not mean to prescribe how we express that thanksgiving, but that we be thankful and to encourage the expression.

2.  Whether the thanksgiving is expressed verbally, written or through some other action it is appropriate.

3.  It is inappropriate and insulting to ignore another’s graciousness (cf. Phil. 1:3-5).

C.  As givers we should not give in order to receive thanks, nor should we demand thanksgiving be expressed in a particular way.  As givers we exercise power, let’s make sure we do not exercise power in a way that exalts ourselves over others.

D.  Gifts should be given with humility and they should be received with humility.

III.  Ignoring needs is inconsistent with Christian faith (James 2:14-17; 2 Cor. 8:7; Gal. 2:10). IV.  Elders have a responsibility for oversight in distribution in the church (Acts 4:32; 11:30).  Deacons are especially tasked with responsibility for giving, distribution and concern for those in need (Acts 6:1-6). V.  Teach your children to be givers.

A.  In the church.

1.  Talk with them about the first day of the week contribution and what it is for.

2.  Encourage their contribution to the cause.  Youthfulness does not excuse our commitment to the work of God.

3.  Many religious organizations elevate the value of entertaining youth (and adults) so that those religious organizations become little more than social clubs.  Our calling is greater than ourselves and our entertainment.  Our first day of the week contribution goes for the work of the Lord.

4.  One fellow reasoned, “If there are extra funds collected on the first day it will be O.K. to use these for entertainment.”  There are no extra funds.  These funds were collected for the work of the Lord.  There are no “extra funds” for your entertainment.

5.  My parents always made sure I had something to give on the first day.  I learned to give because it was the appropriate thing to do.  I gave out of whatever I had—mostly from farm work that I did in the community.

6.  Dan gave to a preacher at small congregation in West Virginia.  Identified his car and left it on the windshield.  I had not thought of doing something like this, but he did.  I would not have known anything about it, but his mother saw him put something on the young man’s windshield and asked what he was doing.

7.  Teach them to focus their giving on the Lord’s work.

B.  In the community.

1.  Look for opportunities.

2.  Sacred Selections as an illustration of a community organization worthy of support. Ellis’ son Jonathan adopted children through this organization.

3.  Select a family you can help.

4.  It doesn’t have to be money that you help with.  It can be time and attention.

VI.  Some people will condemn you and say all manner of evil against you because you are not giving to the cause that they are soliciting for.  Some even in the church may be heard to condemn their brethren saying, “Well we don’t support ____________________.”  They are implying that we should and that because we are not we are not good Christian givers.  Sometimes they are demanding the support of things from the first day of the week contribution other than preaching and teaching the gospel and caring for needy brothers and sisters.  Don’t let such solicitors intimidate you.  Be confident and deliberate in your plan and what you have purposed in your heart. VII.  How much should I give?  Give proportionally.  It is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have (2 Cor. 8:12).  Give generously.  Give bountifully.  Good measure.  Pressed down and shaken together.  Do not let your giving be affected by covetousness.  In so doing you will store up for yourselves a good foundation for the future, so that you may take hold of that which is life indeed.

Conclusion:

1.  How are you responding to God’s gift? 2.  Thanksgiving?  Gratitude? 3.  Ignoring it? 4.  Are you in thanksgiving, accepting His gift and sharing it with others?